Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 1988 MTD Yard Machine pulling slow, speed transaxle, variable speed pulley

Question
We have a MTD model 138-653-016 (3387-81)(1988)12 hp, 38 in.cut, 7-speed riding lawn mower. Engine runs fine but mower won't pull (doesn't got as fast as it has previously in any of the speeds but 7th). We changed both drive belts. Is there a drive belt adjustment? Please help

Answer
Hello Valarie:

Have you Replaced the Motion Drive Belt? Is the Clutch Idle Arm Moving Freely and Not Sticking? Is the Clutch Idler Spring Tension Good? You May have to Remove the Cutter Deck to Check these. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers (138-653-016). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. Select the Second Files Marked Parts. The Unit Uses a Single Speed Transaxle and a Variable Speed Pulley (#82)for the Different Ground Speeds. Remove the Belts and Make Sure the Center Sheave of the Variable Speed Pulley is Moving Freely. Make Sure All the Speed Selector Linkage is Moving Freely and Not Sticking or Binding. There is No Adjustment for the Belts. If you Used the Proper Belts, then the Variable Speed Pulley, the Shift Linkage, the Clutch Idler Sticking or the Tension Spring at the Idler are Causing the Problem. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John